Stormy History Of Saturday Trading

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28774, 20 December 1958, Page 19

Stormy History Of Saturday Trading

Since its formation in 1935, the New Brighton District Business Association has been the main driving force behind the suburb’s progress as a shopping centre, holiday resort and residenlial area. Although its initial function was to safeguard the interests of the business community, the association has also been extremely active in obtaining better civic amenities, and is now recognised by residents as a sort of unofficial local body..

Much of the association’s efforts, however, have been devoted to preserving the district’s special privileges as a seaside suburb—in particular the right to open its shops on Saturday. Although a traditional feature of New Brighton life, Saturday trading has often been threatened by legislation and by opposition from the city. As a big proportion of the district’s business has always come from Saturday trading, the Business Association, supported by the whole community, has vigorously opposed any attempt to deprive New Brighton of this important part of its livelihood. Annual Review Before the district became integrated with Christchurch in 1941, the right to open shops on Saturdays was dependent each year on the decision of the Borough Council, which was always unanimously in favour of its retention. When this responsibility passed to the Chirstchurch City Council in 1941, assurances were given that Saturday trading would be retained, but later it became subject to annual review by the council.

In 1946 the Business Association was faced with serious problems affecting Wednesday closing by proposed amendments to the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act, and the Shops and Offices Act. It was only by the association’s intervention in obtaining exemptions from the Arbitration Court’s awards that the shops were able to remain open on Saturdays. Further difficulties arose in 1948 when the City Council declared Saturday a closed day instead of Wednesday. The shopkeepers decided to defy the council’s decision and a deputation was sent from the Business Association.

When the new Shops and Offices Act was introduced in 1956, the association sent a deputation to Parliament, led by the late Mr J. W. Hulme. Evidence was given before the Labour Bills Committee and as a result the statute was amended so as to deprive the City Council of the power to decide on Saturday trading for New Brighton.

Although Saturday shopping is now assured, shopkeepers still have to apply to,the Magistrate’s Court for exemption from the provisions of the award relating to hours of work. Shop workers work a 40-hour week but have Wednesdays off instead of Saturdays.

Holiday Shopping.—Today is the last late shopping day at New Brighton before Christmas. During the holiday period the shops will remain open until 9 p.m. every Saturday night, but wil] close on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day and January 2.